PROVIDENCE – The season opener, a week from tonight in Boston, which wasn’t going to be a problem for Turner Stevenson – according to the Devils – is now out of the question. Whether he can keep their latest timetable of being back in action in two weeks remains to be seen.

After the team minimized Stevenson’s groin troubles for two weeks, the Stanley Cup hero yesterday was to undergo a “procedure” to alleviate the pain he has called “excruciating” in the sensitive area.

The Devils now say Stevenson will be back in action in two weeks following the “testicular procedure” he faced yesterday.

Stevenson had been worried about his inability to skate after severe pain returned to his groin area four days into training camp. He suffered his initial groin injury in the third round of the playoffs, but returned to play in pain for the last three games of the Finals, his rollicking style inspiring his teammates to rebound in Game 5 against the Ducks after they’d lost two straight in Anaheim.

The Devils say Stevenson’s current problem was the result of compensating for his earlier injury, leaving other areas weakened as he rebuilt the strained muscle.

Stevenson has been off skates two weeks after attempting his comeback, and hadn’t been feeling completely comfortable then. He may need more time than two weeks to be ready to play.

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Devils faced the Bruins here last night and visit the Garden tonight. They play host to Rangers Friday and visit Nassau Saturday to complete exhibition season . . . All teams were to submit their protection lists for the waiver draft yesterday. Devils had to choose between goalies Corey Schwab and Scott Clemmensen among their decisions.